How to Build a Campfire GATHER BUILD tinder, kindling and fuel together in the sizes and the fire by adding kindling wood to the burning tinder quantities shown before any matches are struck. Sizes and then adding fuel to the fire as it grows. No need and quantities are just a ‘rule of thumb’ - get close to for a fancy fire lay, build it as you go. the descriptions and you’ll do fine. Don’t make any of it too short or too big around. Tinder from dead twigs found on Kindling should be dry, don’t gather Fuel should be dry, split larger wood the lower branches of trees and wet wood from the forest floor. Look if possible and have a good sized shrubs that snaps off easily when for branches that are dead and stack on hand before you light the bent. No green wood! down, not on the tree. fire. TINDER KINDLING FUEL Around the size of a No thicker than your About as thick as pencil lead thumb your wrist No shorter than your About as long as your About as long as your outstretched hand elbow to your arm fingertips Enough to fill a circle made with your Enough for a A stack about as high hands generous armload as your knee Bend the tinder in half and light 1 the center. Add kindling, keep piling it on loosely, give the fire plenty of 2 kindling to keep growing. As the kindling begins to burn 3 begin adding fuel. www.girlscoutshs.org • 800.624.4185.